Common sense

The German transport minister has clashed with environmentalists after he dismissed calls for a speed limit on the country’s motorways as “against all common sense”. Andreas Scheuer’s comments came after a government commission set up by his own ministry recommended a national speed limit of 130kmh (81mph) on German autobahns and higher fuel taxes to limit harmful pollution. Mr Scheuer described the proposals as “completely exaggerated, unrealistic mind games”. “We want to inspire and inspire citizens withe the opportunities of future mobility. Demands that provoke anger, annoyance and stress or endanger our prosperity, will not become reality and I reject them,” said the minister, who is a member of Angela Merkel's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). Germany is one of the last countries in the world not to impose a national speed limit. Just over half of the country’s 8,000 miles of motorway remain … [Read more...] about German transport minister dismisses calls for a national speed limit as “against common sense”

Ain't life grand.The weather seems to be behaving itself, Christmas is just around the corner and Tom Cruise has finally got the boot.After years of us fans voicing our utter disappointment, disgust and annoyance at the 5ft 7in actor being cast in the role of 6ft 5in action hero Jack Reacher, it has been announced that Cruise is to be replaced in the role.Brilliant.As a massive fan of Lee Child, a talented crime writer who created the fantastic Jack Reacher character, I am delighted.Now, I'm not going to claim that I had anything to do with it (I did) but a few years ago when I was lucky enough to get the chance to interview the author, I made it very clear that I thought Cruise was completely wrong for the role.And now, here we are, however many years on and finally, common sense has won the day. I'm just saying.For those of you who have never read a Jack Reacher book, they revolve around the said character, who is charming and handsome and altogether perfect.Following a highly … [Read more...] about Marie Louise McConville: Victory for common sense as Tom Cruise dropped from Jack Reacher role

Mark Sherman and Jill Colvin Associated Press Published 4:11 PM EST Nov 22, 2018 Washington – Incensed by a ruling against his migrant asylum policy, President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded “some common sense” from America’s judges and directed his ire at a liberal-leaning appeals court. He professed respect for Chief Justice John Roberts, with whom he is engaged in a startling public dispute over the independence of the judiciary, yet shrugged off the Republican appointee as someone who “can say what he wants.” Trump, still seething over Monday’s decision by a President Barack Obama-nominated judge, began his Thanksgiving Day by asserting on Twitter that courts should defer to his administration and law enforcement on border security because judges “know nothing about it and are making our Country unsafe.” The president, spending the holiday in Florida, later told reporters that law enforcers and military service members … [Read more...] about Trump demands ‘common sense,’ shrugs off Roberts

Campaigners have won a legal battle to keep Mistley Quay as a village green Picture: ARCHANT Archant A village’s 10-year battle to keep a popular beauty spot as its green has been won in the Court of Appeal. Campaigners on Mistley Quay Picture: FREE THE QUAY GROUPThe decision means Mistley Quay, in Mistley, remains classified as a village green and will be available for villagers to use for leisure purposes. The Mistley Free the Quay group first challenged the port owners – TW Logistics – in 2008 after a two-metre tall fence was erected along the edge of the quay. The group argued the spot had been used for centuries by locals for activities, access to the water and to enjoy the sweeping views. Campaigners applied for the area to be given village green status in 2010 and were successful in achieving the registration in 2013 following a public inquiry.The port owners then lodged a High Court challenge seeking removal of the quay from the register of town and village … [Read more...] about ‘Victory for common sense!’ Residents win battle to keep beauty spot as village green

Most drivers try to refrain from texting and driving, but it’s easy to yield to the temptation of an incoming text. While it may seem harmless to glance at your phone just long enough to scan a message, it’s not. Texting and driving statistics reveal reading one text message takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. That might not seem like a long time, but if you’re traveling 55 mph you can cover the length of a football field in 4.6 seconds. That’s a long distance to travel with your attention diverted. Texting and driving are not a good marriage. Texting and driving are not a good marriage.Since 18 percent of all fatal automobile accidents are caused by distracted driving, it’s a good idea to learn to ignore your phone when you’re behind the wheel. It’s not easy or convenient, but it’s one of the most worthwhile habits you can develop. Silence Your Phone When Driving Silencing your phone is the simplest solution, but it only works … [Read more...] about Common sense tips to avoid driving and texting